SSP onto Furlough leave

MarkKnapper

I have self isolated due to having asthma, not told to by NHS but off my own bat. i have not completed a self isolating note from NHS website. 
My employers is putting employees on furlough leave, i have asked them to put me on furlough leave but they said they can't because i am already off on SSP.
is this correct?

Jeremy535897

I am not clear why you were on SSP if you are not ill.

7Phil

SSP start date

We are legislating for SSP to be paid from day 1, rather than day 4, of your absence from work if you are absent from work due to sickness or need to stay at home due to COVID-19. Once the legislation has been passed, this will apply retrospectively from 13 March. You should talk to your employer if you are eligible for SSP and need to claim.

Proof of sickness

If you have COVID-19 or are advised to stay at home, you can get an ‘isolation note’ by visiting NHS 111 online, rather than visiting a doctor. For COVID-19 cases this replaces the usual need to provide a ‘fit note’ (sometimes called a ‘sick note’) after 7 days of sickness absence.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

If your position would have been furloughed if you were well then you could be switched I believe. If you not then you would assume you can return to work on 100% pay after your period of isolation ends. I'd get them to put something in writing for you about the status of your employment.
If it carries on too far get a fit note from your doctor (I know, might be hard but call the GP up) to prove that you are cleared to work and take it from there.

Jeremy535897

There is a big question mark over whether SSP is due if you are not sick, even if you have been told to stay at home. Posters are divided on this issue.

7Phil

[edit] OK, sorry I was thinking the employer has asked him to self-isolate. It's at the poster's own discretion.... 
Get on to NHS 111 and ask advise and fill out the self-isolation note if you are off > 7 days.

Best chance is that they will furlough your position but you can't force them to do that if they otherwise would not be.

**woody123**

Sorry to jump in on this post but I have a similar question.
Myself, along with other employees were told yesterday that we are to be furloughed.  
I may receive a text or letter from the NHS to say I have to isolate for 12 weeks due to being on immune suppressants.
Do i have to tell my employer of this whilst furloughed? does it make a difference.  I am usually paid my full salary when off sick.  Thanks..

7Phil

I don't see any reason based on the information you've given to tell your employer, unless the self-isolation lasts longer than the furlough (furlough lasts, at this stage, 3 months as of 1 March but may be extended).

If you are entitled to full company sick pay then it seems like that would not apply if you are being furloughed - but it'd be an interesting question for the gurus.

**woody123**

Thanks Phil. I'll keep my eye out for more news.